PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL: ‘Miracle’ transformation for man in recovery
As part of the annual Press Christmas for All campaign, we share with readers the stories of those who have received help from the program. This is one of them.
After a lifetime of addiction, mental illness and trouble with the law, 46-year-old “Patrick” is walking the long road to recovery. The path is sometimes rocky, but he’s not making the journey alone.
Patrick is participating in Mental Health Court, a voluntary, post-conviction diversion program for people living with severe and persistent mental illness, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
The program is intensive and challenging, Patrick said, but the staff is skilled and supportive. After a year in the program, he’s managing his bipolar disorder with medication and therapy.
“It’s been a miracle,” he said.
Mental Health Court clients are on supervised probation. They spend hours each week attending group and individual therapy, as well as group classes and peer support. They also attend court weekly and update a judge on their progress.
“When I first started, I was really skeptical about whether it was what I wanted or whether I could make it work,” Patrick said. “Me talking to you is proof that it works. I’ve learned a lot of patience. It’s helped me with my mental health issues. Everybody who saw me when I walked through the doors a year ago has said I’ve made a complete 180.”
Patrick will soon mark 18 months of sobriety, his longest stretch ever.
“In the beginning, it was a forced sobriety,” he said. “Now it’s become a lifestyle change. Without it, I wouldn’t be where I am now.”
Many clients have needs that Mental Health Court can’t meet. For example, when Patrick needed eyeglasses but couldn’t afford them, the program had no resources to offer him, save one: a referral to Press Christmas for All.
Through community donations, Christmas for All paid for Patrick’s eyeglasses. This gift enabled him to continue working and participating in Mental Health Court.
The positive changes in Patrick’s life have helped him to heal his relationships with his children and grandchildren.
“My kids see a different dad than before,” he said. “I spent six months in county and now I get to spend Christmas with my kids.”
Patrick has one message for others who are struggling with addiction and mental illness: If he can overcome those challenges, so can they. There is hope for everyone.
“You hear that a lot,” he said. “But from where I was a year ago to where I am now, it’s a big step. I’ve used drugs all my life and I’ve been in and out of the court system since I was 18 years old. It’s been a struggle. But (Mental Health Court gives) you hope that with guidance, you can be a different person. You can be a better person.”
Each year, Press readers donate generously to Press Christmas for All. Money raised goes directly to Kootenai County residents.
The gift recipients are our neighbors who are struggling, including the elderly, people with disabilities, veterans, the homeless and those with mental illnesses. Many who seek assistance from Christmas for All are working, but living in poverty.
Beneficiaries of Press Christmas for All keep their dignity while the community provides a hand-up to help get them back on their feet.
Press Christmas for All is managed by The Hagadone Corp., with assistance from CharityReimagined.Org. It is a legally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, run entirely by volunteers.
Here are four ways to donate:
• Mail a check to Press Christmas for All, 215 N. Second St., Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814.
• Call The Press and make a secure credit card donation over the phone: 208-664-8176.
• Visit cdapress.com. Click on Christmas for All and make a secure online donation.
• Drop off your check at The Press weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 215 N. Second St. in downtown Coeur d'Alene.
A heartfelt thanks to our recent donors
Gary Fessler, Larry & Tammy Baker, Julia Shea, Don & Diane Wilhelm, Jordan Marsicek, Dean & Cheryl Merrill, Joyce Barton, Michael & Linda Harmon, Anne & Jonathan Sedgwick, Mary Landers, Sandee Saverance, Jan & Dan Kaestner, Dallas & Marcia Dixon, Al & Joyce Summers, Nicolas & Marlene Sigler, Karen Anderson, Carla Hauer & Debbie Tolzmann, the Grant Family, Paul & Gail Morton, In Memory of Gene and Charlene Boyd, Martin Meyer & Barbara Crow, Ruth Marie Runkle, Richard Cripe, Shawn & Sarah Swanby, Kathryn Boss, Peggy Davis, Dan & Jan Kaestner, Bradley & Shariae Dugdale, P J & Robert Davis, BJ Bennett, Sandra Langston, Sharon Weis, Michael & Lauri Armon, Sandra & Frederick Ambrose, Glenn & Kristina Jacklin, Brian & Margaret Reparuk
